Multicultural Forum Addressed Securing the Future of Diversity and Inclusion

The 22nd annual Multicultural Forum, held March 17-18 in Minneapolis, focused on “Securing the D&I Future: Evolving Strategies, Meaningful Outcomes.” Workshops and more lengthy professional development institutes focused on a range of topics, including leading across generations, creating a sustainable business advantage through diverse leaders, legal developments affecting the workplace and its diversity, Web 2.0 and the future of diversity and inclusion, the myth of post-racial America, and more. Many workshops specifically addressed re-examining diversity and inclusion strategies and tactics to achieve more meaningful outcomes.

One new feature of the forum was a global topic track, including workshops creating functional global teams and the competencies of a global leader. Also new was an invitation-only diversity executive roundtable and dinner for chief diversity officers or senior diversity executives.

The forum featured three keynote addresses. Dr. Tassu Shervani, Marilyn and Leo Corrigan Endowed Professor of Marketing, Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, spoke on “Advancing the Organizational Agenda.” Candi Castleberry-Singleton, chief diversity and inclusion officer, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, delivered a keynote and moderated a panel, both on “Securing the D&I Future.” Participants included Clarence Nunn, CEO of GE Capital Solutions, and Louise Perrin, senior vice president, State Farm. Craig Herkert, CEO and president of Supervalu Inc., gave the concluding keynote speech.

In addition to institutes, workshops and keynote addresses, the forum featured dinner discussions, diversity awards and a networking reception. For more information on the forum, visit www.stthomas.edu/mcf.